The Union Budget 2026-27 presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman outlines a comprehensive strategy to position India as a leading global destination for Medical Value Tourism (MVT) while significantly strengthening the country’s AYUSH ecosystem. The initiatives focus on improving healthcare infrastructure, promoting research and quality standards, generating employment, and enhancing India’s global outreach in traditional and holistic medicine.
To promote medical tourism, the Government has proposed the establishment of five Regional Medical Hubs in partnership with State Governments and the private sector. These hubs will function as integrated healthcare complexes, bringing together medical services, education, and research under a single framework. Designed to cater to both international and domestic patients, the hubs aim to offer a seamless healthcare experience supported by world-class infrastructure.
Each Regional Medical Hub will house AYUSH Centres, Medical Value Tourism Facilitation Centres, and advanced facilities for diagnostics, post-treatment care, and rehabilitation. Beyond improving patient services, the hubs are expected to create significant employment opportunities for doctors, allied health professionals, and skilled healthcare workers across disciplines.
Emphasising India’s growing global leadership in traditional medicine, the Finance Minister highlighted the international recognition of Yoga and the renewed global acceptance of Ayurveda in the post-pandemic period. The rising demand for AYUSH products is also contributing to rural livelihoods, benefiting farmers cultivating medicinal plants and providing employment to youth engaged in processing and value addition.
To meet expanding global demand and strengthen institutional capacity, the Budget proposes the establishment of three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda to enhance education, clinical care, and research. In addition, AYUSH pharmacies and Drug Testing Laboratories will be upgraded to ensure higher quality standards, improved certification, and availability of skilled manpower.
The Budget also proposes the upgradation of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre at Jamnagar, aimed at strengthening evidence-based research, training, and global awareness of traditional medicine systems. Together, these initiatives reaffirm the Government’s commitment to integrating traditional knowledge with modern healthcare, enhancing India’s soft power, and establishing the country as a trusted global hub for holistic and evidence-based healthcare services.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
